Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Only Endorsement That Matters (1:46 pm)
Chris Hayes makes the case for Obama.
UPDATE: Hadn’t seen Jarrett’s post below before I headlined this, so my intention was for a more general form of humor rather than any targeted snarkiness. And yet, despite my joking tone, I’m still kind of in earnest.
posted by Brian Cook | start the discussion
Empathy Is An Issue (1:20 pm)
George Lakoff, the author of Don’t Think of An Elephant!, eloquently and persuasively endorses Obama.
posted by Jarrett | start the discussion
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Edwards and The Media (3:00 pm)
TPM has a great video retrospective on the work John and Elizabeth Edwards have done to hit back when the media took shots at them:
Now that John Edwards has dropped out of the race, it’s worth pausing to reconsider the role John and his wife played in what I think is one of the most under-appreciated stories of Campaign 2008.
Specifically: Thanks largely to the Edwards couple, aggressive push-back against right-wing (and even traditional) media figures went mainstream in Dem primary politics in a big way. Indeed, the Dem candidates adopted this sort of push-back as almost a de rigeur tactic, a way of throwing wrenches into the wingnut slime machine and simultaneously appealing to Dem primary voters, who can’t get enough of this sort of stuff.
The media generally treated John Edwards like he was a joke, but at least he didn’t roll over. Check out the videos and commentary here.
posted by Jarrett | start the discussion
Mitch McConnell Caves (12:24 pm)
Here’s Reuters:
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell relented on Monday and said he would offer a short-term extension of an anti-terror surveillance law, set to expire this week, as he seeks immunity for telephone companies.
The Kentucky Republican made the announcement as he pushed for passage of a stalled bill to replace the temporary law, which expanded the power of U.S. authorities last August to conduct electronic surveillance of enemy targets without a court order….
After it was clear McConnell did not have the 60 votes needed in the 100-member Senate to clear a procedural hurdle and obtain a vote on passage of the bill, he said could agree to “a very short” extension of the law. “Republicans will not allow this critical program to expire and will offer a short-term extension, if necessary,” he said.
With the law set to expire on Friday, lawmakers may agree on an extension of a week or so as early as on Tuesday, before House Democrats leave for an out-of-town retreat.
A week isn’t very long. Stay tuned.
posted by Brian Beutler, Media Consortium | start the discussion
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Life under Bush (2:02 pm)
After listening to Bush gloss over his broad “successes” last night, this nice and readable graphic is a good reminder of the real effects of his vicious presidency. Some of the comparisons — the deficit, consumer credit debt, our image abroad — are pretty shocking. It’s almost funny to think how this reign will be viewed in the coming decades. Almost.
posted by Adam Doster | start the discussion
Monday, January 28, 2008
Let’s Make The Constitution More Like Cheesecloth (8:17 pm)
That would be folksy, wouldn’t it?
A new site called Washington Independent (it just went live today) has some good commentary on Huckabee’s aims to alter the constitution.
posted by Jarrett | start the discussion
Fear-Biting Dogs and Taser-Wielding Housewives (2:52 pm)
Suburban housewives are well on their way to becoming the next culprits of Taser attacks—that’s right, not victims, but the people behind the weapon. Women are becoming the next breed of Taser sales reps, hosting their own Taser parties. As if we don’t already have enough trained cops going around Tasing old women and other barely threatening “attackers,” let’s give Tasers to less trained people that walk in fear every day. It’s like a dog that fear-bites. There is a reason fearful dogs are put down rather than put up for adoption—they are dangerous. Rather than wait and analyze their situations rationally, these dogs will bite the most well-meaning person for just walking by. These suburban housewives are potential fear-biters wielding stun guns instead of incisors.
Let’s not forget to mention the sexism that goes along with Taser’s marketing scheme. According to Taser, “In today’s world, maintaining self confidence involves the need for self protection. For independent, self-reliant women, the TASER® C2 is an effective protection device that fits any lifestyle.” This, to me, is degrading and wrong. I do not need a weapon for “maintaining” my “self confidence.” I am proud to have learned how to defend myself and know my way around the city. Don’t get me wrong—this does not mean that I am not vulnerable to getting mugged, but I personally know more men that have been mugged than women.
We have not solved the growing problem of police indiscriminately Tasering people, so how can we promote the use of Tasers by average people anywhere?
One last question: What happens when criminals get a hold of their own Tasers?
By Becki Scholl
posted by Intern | start the discussion
GOTCHA, MITT! (2:47 pm)
OMG! MITT ROMNEY TOTALLY ATE SOME FRIED CHICKEN TODAY BUT PEELED THE SKIN OFF BEFORE HE ATE IT! THAT’S RIGHT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE DECISIVE PROOF: MITT ROMNEY IS A FAKE! HE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THE SOUTH OR ITS PEOPLE!!! VOTE FOR HUCKABEE! AMERICA DEMANDS A PRESIDENT WHO WILL AMEND THE CONSTITUTION, DESTROY THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN, EVISCERATE THE RIGHTS OF GAYS AND LESBIANS, QUARANTINE AIDS PATIENTS, BUT, MOST IMPORTANTLY, WILL SIT IN THE OVAL OFFICE GOBBLING FOWL THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE DONE!!!
Interview with the violated chicken to follow.
posted by Jarrett | 1 comment
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